Sulfur-burning.



G. F. HURT. SULFUR BURNING. APPLICATION FILED IuIY I4. 1917.

Patented Dee. 31,1918.

2'SHEETS-SHEET I I l /la /1//5 Info e n o 7 G ewgf F. `I Kwadjaa/n@ '6, F. HURT. SULFUR BURNING. APPucATmN FILED 'JULY 14.1911.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented Deo.

nve/ZZT] a Gzfa. F, J RWM LTGMJJZ -ful Improvements in Sulfur-Burning,

COPY

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE F. HUET, OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA, ASSIGNOR T PRATT ENGINEERING &

V MACHINE COMPANY, OF ATLANTA, GEORGIAy A CORPORATION OF GEORGIA:

SULFUR-BURNING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 31, 1918.

To all inkom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, GEORGE F. HURT, a citizen of tie United States, residing at Atlanta, in the county of Fulton and State of Georgia, have invented certain new and use o which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to theaccompanying drawing. My invention relates to sulfur burning, that is, to a novel process `and apparatus for n such purpose, available, for example, for continuous operation in the combustion of brimstone, the products of which combustion can be treated to yield sulfuric acid.

The general objects of the improvement are to afford increased efficiency, as compared with heretofore known processes and apparatus, and improvement in outp and economy when made use of for 'sulfuric acid manufact-ure or other practical purposes. Other general objects of my invention are the simplification, reduction in size' and cheapeiiing of the apparatus, rendering more simple, convenient and effective its observation 'and handling, and increasing its life and durability.

For convenience the part ofthe apparatus where the melted brimstone is convertedinto gases or vapors will be termed the burner, and the combustion which occurs at this point will be termed the burning of the material, although subsequently the com-bustioumay resume or continue in a place which for convenience may be termed the combustion space; but there need be no clear line of division between the burner chamber and com- -bustioii chamber or space.

A particular object of the present iinpi'ovment is to afford a very efficient and thorough burning operation of a comparatively small body or bulkV of ,melted sulfur. caused to present in an effective way a very large superficial area of burning surface in the presence of a suitable supply of oxygen. As lair forms the practical source of oxygen, I shall use the two terms interchangeably.

Another particular object is the conservation of the heat of combustion by so prol ceeding that the outgoing gases from the apparatus will possess a higher and more uniform tempera-ture than in heretofore known apparatus; thus increasing the concentrating and denitrating actions in the Glover tower and enhancing the output of sulfuric acid, if used forv such purpose,and also preventing sublimation of sulfur, which has heretofore frequently occurred in the passages, due to cooling of the gases.

Another particular object is to afford easily performed and quickly responsive regula-tion of combustion or burning, thereby enabling intelligent correction of faulty coriditions or results in the system, impossible with adjustment requiring considerable time to take effect, owing to the arising of other errors and the difficulty of determining the effect of the correction. The lack of uniformity in heretofore known processes and apparatus has necessitated operating with a low average. percentage of sulfur oxids in the outgoing gases in order not at any time to exceed the permitted maximum; Whereas the uniform regulation obtainable With the present invention permits -a considerably higher average sulfur content, and thereby l much less bulky sulfuric acid making apparatus for a given output.

Other objects relate to matters of cornbiuatioii and arrangement, adjuncts, and features of design and construction. For example, I have provided av sulfur infeeding mechanism which is regular and positive in action, free from clogging, practically sealed `against leakage or admission of air, and easy of exact and close regulation during the running of the apparatus. Various other objects and advantages of the present invention will be elucidated in the hereinafter following description of one embodiment thereof, and further unmentioned advantages will be apparent. to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

To the attainment of the above objects and advantages the present invention comprises the novel process for the burning or coinbustion of sulfur; the process of manufacturing sulfuric acid; and the novel burner or combustion apparatus, the sulfuric acid making appara-tus embodying the samekand the novel adjuncts features of combination, design, construction, details and other features which are shown, mentioned or claimed herein.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating an example of how my invention may be practised, Figure 1 in eleva-tion shows a general diagram of a plant for the manufacture of sulfuric acid and comprising a sulfur combustion apparatus embodying they presl ent invention. The remaining figures show only the parts of the sul-fur combustion apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken generally on the plane 2-2 of Fig. 3, and showing a sulfur burner and combustion apparatus constructed in accordance with, and capable of carrying out, the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a partial front elevation and partial transverse section of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal vertical section on the plane 4-1 of Fig. 3 showing the sulfur infee-d.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal vertical section showing one of the air blast devices, taken, for example, on the plane 2 2 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is an inclined view of certain arts of Fig. 5 looking in the direction o the arrow 6.

Fig. 7 is a partial view similar to Fig. 2 showing a modified form of burner chamber rear Wall.

According to my invention, as regards the burning of the sulfur, this, generally speaking, comprises maintaining. a suitable body or pool of melted sulfur, vvhich may be of comparatively small bulk, and producing what I may term surface-multiplying movement of the burning molten 'materialin the presence of `a suitable oxygen supply, Va-

rious Ways may be employedfor giving movement to the material to greatly increase its superficial area, and therefore effectiveness of burning; for example, herein is shown an operation consisting in spraying or scattering the melted sulfur in the form of a multitude of drops.A This advantageous action not merely extensively enlarges the exposed surface, but. by maintaining the material in rapid motion, prevents the formation of a stagnant envelop of sulfur dioxid. which would tend to impede the burning. rl`his improvement, moreover, not merely effectively multiplies the active surface or area, but permits its vvery easy and prompt regulatiomfor example, by adjusting the extent of the spraying movement. The spraying, for example, may be produced by an upward blast. of air introduced beneath the surface of the pool of melted burning sulfur. causing a fountain or spray of an extent depending on the quantity and preseure of air in the blast and the size, shape EST AVAILABLE (X3im and submergence of the nozzle. This air furnishes oxygen, which takes part in the combustion, but may be supplemented by' additional air supply. The liquid sulfur which is neither burned nor volatilized simply returns to the pool.

This novel burner and burning process are further advantageous in permitting the particular adjustment of the operation, to be described, which also constitutes a part of the present invention; also the effective readjustment or regulation of the burning operation to meet faults or difficulties observed in any portion of theprocess.

An important feature of my invention, and one which I believe is novel with me, comprises restricting the oxygen supply at the burner to substantially what is sufficient to burn only that fraction or portion of the sulfur whose combustion will suiiceto volatilize the remainder, and such volatilized sulfur being later supplied with oxygen in the combustion spaces to continue the combustion, and thereby preserve an extremely high temperature to the outlet. Overheating at any point is thus prevented, and loss by conduction and radiation are minimized, So `that the total heat or temperature is thoroughly conserved; and this action may be aided by employing ,insulating material in the walls of the apparatus. Conserving the high temperature `prevents sublimation ,y

between the burner and the Glover tower inl manufacturing sulfuric acid, and, moreover, the very hightemperature of the outgoing burner gases renders more effective and gives greater output to the sulfuric acid making process.

Supposing that between 20% and 30% of the sulfur is sufficient, on being burned, to volatilize the remaining or 80% of the 4sulfur fed to the apparatus, my plan is tc muiiie the air supply at the burner, so that the total air is sufficient only to oxidize this 20% or 30%, the remainder becoming vola tilized, and the total gaseous products pass 'ing to the combustion spaces, along Whicl largely due to the inability to effect quick or suddenly a considerable reduction or i crease 1n the surface area of molten sulf` eXposed to air. With my apparatus a quick adjustment and response is afforded, because l am able to cooperatively regulate both 1 the superficial area of burning of the sulfur esses had to be kept ,gases is through the through the Gay-Lussac Atower 14 to the esand the supply of air or oxygen thereto. hus, the extent of the spray of burning sulfur can be immediately altered by appropriate valves, and this in connection with the alteration of the rate of auxiliary oxygen supply gives complete and prompt adjustment of burning operation, not merely for the purpose of insuring the conservation of temperature, as already pointed out, but for delivering outgoing gases of more uniform composition and temperature. 'The sulfur content in the outgoing gases of prior procat a very low average, owing to the eXtreme lack of uniformity, Whereas with my invention the sulfur content can be raised substantially to the permitted maximum, thus greatly increasing the output of sulfuric acid for a plant of given size, or, on the other hand, permitting the size of the plant to be reduced for the given output. f

Having thus described the nature ofthe process, I will now refer to the drawings and describe a specific apparatus embodying the invention, the operation and regulation of which will be subsequently explained.

In the accompanying drawings, above the ground level 10, is seen a sulfur burning or combustion apparatus 11, to which the novelty of the present invention more particularly relates. Since the novel features thereof are peculiarly advantageous in rendering more profitable the manufacture of sulfuric acid, I have Fig. 1 a complete sulfuric acid making plant.- The combustion ap aratus 11 is shown as having its eXit leading to the Glover tower 12, from which in turn the course of. the chambers 13, and finally cape or stack 15. y

The combustion apparatus 11 is shown as comprising within the same outer walls a space or chambercontaining the burner and other spaces, chambers or combustion proceeds and is comp burner chamber and thec'mbust'ib spaces might be,l separately constituted in some cases, and', in fact, my burner could be used with difi'eientlforms of combustion appara-f tus, and might sometimes be useful without the operation of completing the combustion.

The burner and combustion spaces are inclosed within outer walls of brick 17 at the sides and top, which will preferably be bound together by heavy stays to preserve the shape of the apparatus. Also I provide an inner lining of fire brick 18, and preferably between this and the outer walls I introduce an insulating material of a refrac- `.which for this diagrammatically indicated influes in which the ,at

d. 'The NMmount of air to insure complete combustien and provide the air required for the -desired adjustment and burning sul fur.

with a passage 24, leading to the second back of which is a combustion chamber 25, second bridge wall 26, over which the gases may pass into the third and final combustion chamber 27.I The wall 28 to the rear of this is provided with a passage 29 leading to a` chamber 30, in which 31,- provided for for the reactions to take place in the subsequent apparatus of the sulfuric acid making plant. Finally is the exit, or passage, or stack 32 at the rear, leading up to the lower end of t-he Glover Lower 12. The length and volume of the combustion spaces, an`d the number of chambers and passes may be varied to suit the requirements of any particular case.

It will be noticed that my burner chamber 20 is much smaller than any burner chambers heretofore used, whereas the combustion chambers 22, 25 and 27 afford much greater combustion space than heretofore used. According to my process only a minimum portion of the sulfur is oxidized in the burner chamber,

is shown a kniter pot takes place in the combustion chambers, purpose are provided with ample, but readily adjustable, oxygen or air admission ports 33. Thus, in the first combustion chamber are shown four air inlets at each side, and in the second combustion chamber two at each side, and each of the inlets is shown provided with a rotary draft regulator 34. Thel total length and volume' of the combined combustion chambers is an1- ple to permit complete combustion before the gases reach the niter chamber 30, and therefore there will be no flames in the niter chamber or in the flues beyond to cause de terioration. I prefer, however, to so adjust he regulators 34 as to admit the minimum later reactions, so as to yield burner gases .having the maximum sulfur content.

The burner chamber 20 is provided with observation openings 89, so that the size and nature of the flames and operations may be examined as an assistance to effecting the regulating the operation.

The burner chamber at its lower end is shaped to provide a pool 4() for the molten This nool or basin contains a comparatively small body of material whose normal level is approximately at the supplying nitrogen gases I the remainder being merely vaporized, and the bulk of the combustion stant circulation therein,

faced with fire brick, and the rear of which walls performs an operative function, as will be described.

The top surface of the molten sulfur in the pool 40 is so small as to be entirely inadequate for burning purposes, andthe plan of my invention is to provide means for producing extensive increase of burning surface bv giving what I yhave termed' a surface- 'niult'iplying movement to the burning sulfur in the presence of a suitable supply of Oxygen, which, practically speaking, means air or' combustion. This I accomplish, for example, by producing a sprayingbof the molten sulfur by means of an air last froma nozzle 45, preferably submerged beneath the level of the pool and directed upwardly-to forcibly drive the molten flaming sulfur upwardly into a fountain 46, in which the separate drops present'an extremely large surface of combustion. By this means and because of theconstant motion of the particles, which brings their surfaces into contact with fresh films of air, it ispossible to cause burning and volatilization at a much greater rate than would ever be needed in practice. Thus the two extremes are possible, that is, with the maximum blast the surface exposure and consequent burning and volatilization would exceed practical needs, and without the blast there remains only the restricted top surface of the pool 40, which is below the practical needs. As will be explained, the ready and instant adjustment of the blast and spray to any degree between these extremes is practicable with my invention.

The slanting or benched rear wall 43 or 44y serves the dual function of catching and returning to the pool the liquid sulfur, while at the same time exposing such liquid sulfur over the wall surface to further burnin i action. The returning liquid sulfur, fresh from the hot flames, serves to keep the pool in an extremely hot condition. This action is of great importance, and coupled with the small bulk of the pool and the conentirely precludes any part ofthe liquid sulfur 'cooling to where it may `become viscous, which frequently happens with large or deep or insufficiently heated sulfur pools, causing frosting and sion of operation to cure the defect.

The air blast nozzle 45 is constructed of material of sufficiently refractory properties to withstand the heat of the pool. Itis shown mounted at the end of a pipe 47 leading from the exterior. This pipe is shown connected to a. circular plate or nozzle door 48, de-

coupled a pipe sometimes compelling suspen- 1,289 ves tachably connected to a casting 49 embedded in the walls and having a corresponding circular opening. The attachment may consist of a plurality of latch levers 50 on the casting 49 adapted to on the plate 48, so that quick detachment and replacement is possible when it is desired to remove an air `blast nozzle. The plate 48 is formed with a hollow outward extension 52, to the outer side of which is 53, provided with a globe valve or other suitable valve 54 for regulating the air ioW and blast so as to adjust the spray of burning sulfur.

The spray nozzle 45 and fittings 47 to 54 described may be in multiple, and four complete spray devices are shown, which, having separate valves 54, are independently regulable. A single source of compressed air, such as compressor 56, may be employed, this serving to pump air into the equalizing air tank 57, from which the piping first leads to a point 58 within the apparatus above the first bridge wall 21, so as to heat the air highly before supplying it to the blast. From this point the connections lead throu h a pipe-59, insulated as indicated at 60, to t ie several valves 54, and thence to the nozzles 45.

By employing air to produce the sulfur spray, this air augments the burning, but at times would be insuflicient in itself for the desired burning operation, and I therefore prefer to provide an additional or supplemental supply of air, thereby making an adequate total, which, moreover, can be efectively regulated in quantity without disturbing the adjustment of the spray, namely, by varying the supplemental air supply. Thus, for4 example, air ports may I have shown two air ports G1 in the circular plate 48, each of them controllable by a gate or door 62, which may be adjusted to enlarge or diminirh the port, so that the air drawn into the burner` will be accordingly increased or diminished.

lVhile only one burner chamber and one sulfur pool is herein shown, the principles could be applied with these in duplicate or multiple; for example, a division wall longitudinally through the middle of the burner chamber would give practically two burner chambers each with one pool. two burners or sprays, two auxiliary air inlets, etc., and the sulfur supply could be apportioned between thetwo.

IVhile different forms of sulfur infeeding devices might be employed, I prefer one such as that herein illustrated, giving great regularit'y of feed of the powdered material, together with the ability to regulate the rate ,at will, and the ability to seal substantially the infeed opening against passage of air;

be thrown into wedg-. Ving contact with inclined cams .or lugs 51 u be provided at suitable points in the burner chamber, and' I and sufficiently spaced away from the walls to'` preclude overheating. The combination and arrangement of parts, including the below-ground levelof the' pool, is such that the hopper 66 is nearthe ground, and therefore easy of access and view, so that the workmanis' at all times able to observe the progress and condition of the sulfur feed,so that he may alter the rate of feedifl he finds' it to vary from the prescribed vor predeter mined rate. y l, 4 7? Between the hopper and the inclined pas\ L sage 64 is a movable compartment device or Wheel 67. This is `p'sitivein' action, being' driven slowly at a -uniform:

K rate by a' motor or 'othersuitable device. 68;-,acting through belting 69, pulley'70, wor l"71. and a. worm wheel 72 on'the shaft` ofntihe compartment Wheel 67 Each. compartment or pocket73` as it\passes the open bottom -ofthe'inclined throat of `the hopper receivs a full charge of powdered or small' fsulfur, which is v' leveled'oii by a plate 7.4, -sothat the quantity dumped into the chute by each compartment"` will be uniform. The gate 74 is-capable of,` sliding vertically, thus avoiding clogging, 35.

as the gate can yield incase lumps are fed with the sulfur. f

The rate Aof f eed couldbe regulated by:

the ratel of rotation of the motore!v or of ter compartment wheel, but'for fina.,

alterin justabl V74, wlnch can be done by introducin or removing a shim, distance piece, or l1ner'75 or replacing it by one of a different thickness, this being located between the rear top y wall of the hopper and any overlianging ange 7 6 on the slide plate,

and therebyfin'- creasing the quantity discharged by each compartment of the wheel.

The workman bringing each weighed load of sulfur may wheel it up the incline of a ramp 77 by wheelbarrow, and it directly into the hopper 66. f "f i For 'the purpose of removing ashes or im-- purities gathering at the surface of the sulfur, I am enabled by my invention to provide a veryfsi-mple contrivance, consisting of an over/flow gate ,or plug 78, engagln an aperture formed at I79 in one'of the wallsof the'burner chamber at substantially the level of the ground, so that by merely raising the l level-of the sulfur pool, as will be later explained, the surface material and ashes *can` be fiowed out.

The operinaionV ofthe described apparatus thencedump troduced, so that lthe hopper will never become entirely empty, which would break the air seal and permit leakage of air and disturbance of the burning operation. I prefer to so adjust the infeed mechanism that 200 pounds will be introduced to the sulfur poo) in slightly less than ten minutes,lsay' nine and a half minutes,

the motor being there upon stopped with a partial charge left in the hopper until the next 20D-pound charge is dumped into the hopper,

when the moto]I is restarted after the lapse of a half minute. This slight interruption does not disturb the practical continuity of the pro'cess, and enables somewhat better check to be kept upon fthe sulfur feeding operation.

Asj soon as the sulfur has commenced to ybe infed into the burner chamber, it is .ignited, the heat melting the sulfur, which as it melts increases in depth until the pool or'basinfis nearlv full. It will be under -p`gstlood that a slight 4current of air is pre,

'liminarily introduced at the nozzles for` the apurpose of keeping Vthem open and clear j ly`from solid or liquid sulfur. When the mol-` f ten sulfur has risen to a level somewhat f above the tips of the air.r blast nozzles, the

"air will be turned on further, producingy a spray, and shortly afterward the blast may are submerged to the desired no rmal extent. When thus started into operatlon, the apparatus may be maintained running for a period of months, or even years, without substantial interruption.

The sulfur pool 40 tends to take its own vproper depth and to therefore properly submerge the nozzles, that is' to say, for any given adjustment of the air blast and supplemental air admission. If the levell should momentarily be too high, the increased rapidity of burning wld bring about the lowering of the levels" and decreased sub- `mergence, which in turn would diminish the rate of combustion, thus preserving a continual balance; which, moreover, can be observed and taken 'care of through adjust- .ment of air by the attendant.

The sulfur dioXid, the volatilized sulfur, a small amount of sulfur trioxid and the uncombined portion of the airl passfrom thel burner chamber over the rst bridge wall to the combustion spaces, which are' of extended 'length and large volume, so that -`suitable admission of air will cause the combe increased to its working pressure when regulation I. refer the simple device 0f td- ,the sulfur level has risen so 'that the nozzles y altering the height ofthe slide plate i rca a j g 1,289,783

pletion of the combustion of the volatilized from this crater, so that they are not thrown and superheated`iunburned sulfur, at the up with the spray. -Onthe rare occaslons same time maintaining the high temperature vwhen heavy ash settles at the bottom of the to the outlet. pool, it may be raked out through al' nozzle According to my invention, by restricting door, temporarily removed for the purpose. 70

the air, and thereby smothering the burner, It will be seen that this invention, in the so as to oxidiz'e only sufli'cient sulfur to genform illustrated, employs a pool of melted erate yenough heat to volatilize the resulfur interiorly located, within the burning mainder, the air 'regulation is simplified, chamber, and which ,is self-maintaining by sinceefjits only function is to gasify the enreason of the burning action, and that there 75 tire famount of sulfur. My plan is rather is produced a fountain of liquid drops to minimize the burning, contrarily to prior therefrom byl an upward blast applied beprocesses which attempted 4to completely low the surface of the pool; and that the oxidize the supplied sulfur at the burner, same is therefore the contrary of a proposed and I leave the completion and bulk of the apparatus in which no interior sulfur pool 80 combustion to the subsequent stages, in the is maintained b t an external supply of combustion ues, as explained. melted sulfur melted by a separate source So uniform an operation is possible with of heat and injected in the form of a mist my invention, that in a case Where the sulfur or atomized spray into the chamber. v contents of theburner gases should not ex- It will thus be seen' that I have described 85 ceed, say, 11%, I may operatecontinuously an example of a process and apparatus for with a practically uniform V10% rate, wherethe burning of sulfur, or manufacture of as irregular variation in operation would sulfuric acid, and other features embodying necessitate ay much lower average, and the principles of the present invention. 2 5 therefore require acid chambers of corre- Since many matters of combination, design, 90 spondingly greater bulk. By my invention construction, detail and other features may the output of sulfuric acid is increased, be variously modified without departing this being in part due to thegreater temfrom the underlying principles of the invenperatureof the outgoing lburner gases, tion, there is no intention to limit the inwhich in heretofore known processes is only vention to such features except in so far as 95 i suflicient to heat the acid from a brick set forth in the appended claims.

packed Glover `ltower to about 278 F., What vis claimed is: whereas I amfenabled to produce a temperal. The process of burning sulfur, com- -ture of 317 F. or more. Tests have indiprising maintaining a body of melted suli cated that when sulfuric acid is manufacfur within the burning chamber and pro- 100 tured in a given .plant converted to my kducing an extensive surface #multiplying process, the output in tonnage is increased movement of the burning material in the `in some cases as high as 25%, without inpresence of a suitable oxygen supply. creased, but rather with decreased,4 expense f 2. The processy of burning sulfur, com- 40 and care of operation. prising maintaining a body of melted sulfur 105 The interruptions to the operation neceswithin the burning chamber, producing sur'- sary in my process are inconsequential. 'face-multiplying movement of the burning There being four air blast inlets, any one material in the presence of a suitable oxygen of them may be removed for inspection or supply, -and regulating the areaand rate repair and another substituted without of burning by adjusting the extent of such 110 practically interfering with operations. movement. 1- The accumulations of ashes on the surface 3. The: process of burning. sulfur, 'comof the molten sulfur in the poolmay readily prising maintaining a body of melted sulfur be removed from time to time through the within the burning chamber and producing ,discharge door or opening at the ground a spraying or scattering movement of the 115 level. This will be done by rst reducing burning material in the presence of a suitthe air supply to the nozzles lto'a negligible able oxygen supply. point, thus causing a gradual 1increase, in 4. The process of burning sulfur, comthe quantity of sulfur, the spray ceasing prising maintaining a body of melted suland the level of the sulfur rising until the fur within the 'burning chamber, producing 120 I.

point is reached where the surface sulfur a spraying or scattering movement of the and all impurities can be run out through burning material in the presence of a suitthe discharge opening at the ground level, able oxygen supply, and regulating the whereuponthe opening may be closed and same by adjusting the extent of the spray.

6-0 burning conditi-ons restored. No raking of 5. The process of burning sulfur, com- 125 floating ash is required, and the accumulatprising maintaining a pool of melted burning ashes do not impair the operations, being sulfur. producing an upward lspray causethe ain blast in the molten sulfur tends i thereof inthe 'presence of a suitable oxygen to form an open crater at the surface, and supply and returning the liquid sulfur to A all floating impurities constantly tend away .the pool. 130

. producing a spray of the 6. The process of burning sulfur, comprising maintaining a body of melted sulfur 'and producing a spray of the burning material by a blast of air or oxygen applied Within the body of sulfur.

he process of burning sulfur, comprising maintaining a body of melted sulfur, burning material by a blast of air or oxygen applied Within the body of sulfur, and supplying a supplemental supply of oxygen to the sprayed sulfur.

8. The process of burning sulfur, comprising maintaining a body of melted sulfur Witliinthe burning chamber, producing surface-multiplying movement of the burning material in the presence of a suitable oxygen supply, restrictingthe oxygen supply at the burner to substantially what is sufficient to burn the portion of the sulfur Whose combustion Will volatilize the remainder, land subsequently supplying oxygen to continue the` combustion and maintain a high teinperature to the outlet.

9. The process of burning sulfur, comprising maintaining a body of `melted sulfur vWithin the burning chamber, restricting the oxygen supply at the burner to substantially what is sufficient to burn the portion of the sulfur whose-combustion Will rvolatilize the remainder, and subsequently supplying oxygen to continue the combustion and maintain a high temperature to the outlet.

10. The process of burning sulfur, comprising maintaining a body of burning sulfur in a heat-insulated burning chamber, re-

i stricting the oxygen supply at the burner to substantially what is suiiicient to burn thel portion of the sulfur Whose combustion will volatilize the remainder, and subsequently supplying oxygen to continue' the combustion and maintain a high temperature to "p the outlet.

11. The process of burning sulfur, comprising maintaining abody of melted sulfur chamber, restricting the oxygen supply at the burner to substantially what is suiiicient to burn that portion of the sulfur Whose combustion will volatilize the remainder without excessive overheating, and subsequently quantity of oxygen to continue the combustion progressively.

he process of uniform sulfur burning comprising maintaining a pool of melted sulfur within the burning chamber and coperatively regulatingthe superficial area of burning of the sulfur and the supply of, oxygen thereto.

13. The process of'unifoini sulfur burning comprising maintaining a body of melted sulfur within the burning chamber, co-

operatively regulating the superiicialv area of burning of the sulfur and the supply of oxygen thereto to burn and volatilize the supplying a sufficient ing comprising maintaining a body of melttliat portion of the. suling to substantially combustion will volatilize the refur Whose mainder.

16. The process of prising maintaining a fur, producing a spray terial by a blast of air plying a supplemental the .sprayed burning sulfur, combody ofmelted sulof the burning maor oxygen, and supsupply of oxygen to sulfur under such restriction as to limit the burning to substantially the portion of the sulfur whose combustion will volatilize the remainder.

n an apparatusfor burning sulfur, a chamb burner er, means for maintaining a ment of the burning liquid sulfur, and sulfur combustion spaces beyond the outlet of said burner chamber. y

, 18. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, a chamber, means for bo y of burning liquid sulfur therein, means for producing surface-multiplying movement of the burning liquid sulfur by introducing an air blast beneath the surface, to spray t'he molten material, and sulfur combustion spaces beyond the outlet of said burner chamber.-

y In an apparatus for burning sulfur, a burner chamber, means for maintaining a body of sulfur therein. means for producing surface-multiplying movement of the burning sulfurby introducing -an air blast beneath the surface.A to spray the molten ma.- terial` and means for supplying additional air of combustion.

20. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, a basin for containing a small molten sulfur pool With inadequate top surface, means for supplying sulfur to maintain such pool, means for producing an extensive surfacemultiplying' movement of the liquid burning material to afford adequate burning v l burner chamber.

a burner, cham of molten sulfur,

-a basin for a pool and air connections sur-face, and sulfur combustion spaces beond the outlet of said burner chamber.

21. In an apparatus for burning sul r, a basin for a pool of molten sulfur, a refractory nozzle submerged in the melted material slightly below its surface and directed upwardly, whereby a Jforcible fountain of liquid drops may tions for introducing a blast through said nozzle, a burner chamber containing sai basin and shapedI to return the unburned liquid material to the ool, and sulfur com# bustion spaces beyon 'the 'outlet of said or burnin sulfur,

22. In an apparatus y .0 molten means for maintaining-Ha burning sulfur, a plurality of submerge nozzles inthe molten material, means for producing blasts at said nozzles for spraying the burning material, and means for separately adjusting eral nozzles. v

23. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, means for maintaining a body o molten burning sulfur, of submerge nozzles in the molten producing blasts at said nozzles for spraying the burning material, and means d itting each nozzle'to the apparatus whereby 1 it may be removed'without shutting loff the other nozzles.

24. In an a paratus for burning sulfur, a burner cham er'adapted'to contain a bodyv means for variable spl ay for extensively multiplying ahd regulating the superficiall area of t e moltenl sulfur therein, means for coperatively regulating the' a'i admitted thereto, and sulfur combustion spaces beyond the outlet of said burner chamber.

25. In an. la 4paratus for burning sulfur, er, means for maintaining a body of sulfur therein, means 'forproducing surface-multiplying movement of the burning sulfur by introducing an air blast be- .neath the surface, to .spray the molten material, means for supplying"additional-air o combustion, an means for coperativ'e y regulating the air admitted thereto.

26. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, of molten sulfur, a nozzle for introducing a blast beneath the surface of the pool', means adjusting the amount or pressure of air livered to said nozzle, and means for adjustably admitting further air coperatively with th'e extent of the sulfur spray.

27. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, a burner chamber for containing a sulfur pool, a readily attachable and detachable platein the wall thereof, a pipe passing through said plate and having submerged the sulfur pool in orproducing va spray of burning material, and adjustable a 'burner ch be produced, air connec.

(iQ-"the sulfur within the chamber for causingl extensive. multiplication of* surface of com-1 the action' of the1 sev-- *of molten burning producing a l for a nozzle piece air ports in said plate for admitting air to the chamber.

28. In an apparatus for burning sulfurf amber for pool, a readily attachable and detachable plate in the wall thereof, a pipe passing through said plate and having a nozzle piece submergediin the sulfur pool for producing a spray of' burning material, means for supplying air at adjustable pres ure to said nozzle, and adjustable air ports in said plate for admitting air to the chamber.

i sulfur, t0 contain a pool means to supply designed of molten burning sulfur,

sulfur thereto, means to produce a spray o bustion, means to supply air of combustion at a rate restricted substantially siiiiicient to burn thatportion of whose heat of combustion remainder of the sulfur, and sulfur combustion spaces beyond burner cham er. i

30. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, a burner chamberdesigned to contain a pool sulfur, means to' supply to produce a spray o chamber for causing extensive multiplication of surface of combustion, means to smother thel burner action by restriction of air supply so that the suliur passing) from the burner will be largely unburned -utvolatilized, and sulfur combustion spaces beyond the outlet burner chamber.

31. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, a burner chamber designed to contain a pool 'of molten burning sulfur, means to supply sulfur thereto, means to produce a spray. of

the sulfur sulfur thereto, means the sulfur within the of said 'the sulfur within the chamber for causing extensive multiplication oi suiiicientto burn thatportion of the sulfur whose heat of combustion willl volatilize the remainder of the sulfur, and large'combustion spaces beyond the burner having air admission for completing the combustion.

32. In an apparatusfor burning sulfur, a burner chamber designed to contain a pool of molten burning sulfur, means to supply sulfur thereto, means to produce a spray of the sulfur .within the chamber for causing extensive multiplication of surface of combustion, means to smother the burner action by restriction of air supply so that the sul- ,fur passin om the burner ,unburned but volatilized, and large combustion spaces beyon the burner admission for completing the combustion.

. 33. In an apparatus for burning sulfur` a burner chamber designed to contain a pool will be largely' containing `a sulfur. I

feo

to what is will volatilize the having air i of molten burning sulfur, means to supply sulfur thereto, means to produce a spray of the sulfur within the chamber for causing extensive ymultiplication of surface of combustion, meansto supply air of combustion at a rate restricted substantially to what is suiiicient to burn that portion of the sulfur Whose heat of combustion will volatilize the remainder of the sulfur, and large combustion spaces beyond`th'e burner having air admission for completing the combustion, .said burner chamber and combustion spaces being heat insulated.

34. In an apparatus for buxning'sulfur,

a burner chamber, means for maintalnin aY pool of sulfur therein, means for yproducing an extensive surface-multiplying movement of the burning sulfur, means for smothering the burner action by restricting air supply so that a large part of the sulfur passing out will consist in unburned volatilized sulfur, and sulfur combustion spaces beyond the outlet of said burner chamber.

35. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, a burner chamber, means for maintaining a body7 of sulfur therein, means for producing surface-multiplying movement of the burning sulfur by introducing an air blast beneath the surface, to spray the molten material` means for-supplying additional air of combustion, and means for smothering the burner action by restricting air, supply so that a large part of the sulfur passing out will consist in unburned volatilized sulfur.

36. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, a pool of molten sulfur. a nozzle and air connections for introducingr a blast beneath the surface of the pool. means for smothering the burner action by restricting air supply so that a large part ofthe sulfur passing out will consist in unburned volatilized sulfur, and sulfur combustion spaces beyond the outlet of said burner chamber.

37. In an apparatus for burning sulfur, the combination of a sulfur burner adapted to present a large superficial area of the molten material, said burner comprising a burner chamber shaped to maintainan internal pool of melted burning sulfur, means for supplying air thereto in such'restricted quantities as to smother the burning action, whereby the outgoing gases will contain a large proportion of volatilized sulfur, and combustion spaces of extended volume and length provided with adjustable air inlets, whereby the volatilized sulfur will'be completely oxidized.

38. The process of burning sulfur com-f prising maintainingI a pool of melted sulfur within the burner chamber. and producing therefrom in the presence of oxygen a fountain of the melted sulfur.

39. The process of burning sulfur com- I producing from such pool in within the burner chamber. and producing therefrom in the presence of oxygenl a .fountain of the melted sulfur by an upward blast applied below the surface.

40. The process of burning sulfur coniprising,maintaining a pool of melted sulfur within the burner chamber, producing therefrom in the presence of oxygen a fountain of the melted sulfur, and maintaining the pool at a non-viscous temperature by the heat of the burning.

41. The'process of burning sulfur comprising maintaining a pool of melted sulfur within the burner chamber, producing therefrom in the presence of oxygen a fountain of the melted sulfur, and Yreturning to the pool the unburned unvolatilized sulfur.

4:2. The process of burning sulfur comprising maintaining a pool of melted sulfur within the burner chamber, producing therefrom in the presence of oxygen a fountain of the melted sulfur, and regulating the burning by cooperatively adjusting the extent of the fountain and supply of oxygen.

43. The continuous process of burning sulfur comprising maintaining a pool of melted sulfur within the burner chamber by feeding regulated quantities of sulfur thereto, producing from such pool in the presence of oxygen a fountain of the melted sulfur by an upward air blast within the pool, returning to the poolthe unburned tilized hot sulfur of the fountain, admitting oxygen for combustion, drawing oft A the products of combustion, and regulating the burning b v adjusting the extent of fountain, .supply of oxygen, or both.

il.. The continuous process of burning sulfur comprising maintaining a pool of melted sulfur within the burner chamber by feeding regulated quantities of sulfur thereto, producing from such pool in the presence of oxygen a fountain of the Vmelted sulfur by an upward air blast within the pool, returning to the pool the unburned and unv'olatilized hot sulfur of the fountain, admitting oxygen forl combustionL drawing olf the products of combustion, and regulating the burning by adjusting the extent of fountain, suppl)v of oxygen, or both, in such way that the outgoing products contain more volatilized than burned sulfur.

45. The continuous process of burning sulfur comprising maintaining a pool of melted sulfur within the burner chamber b v feeding regulated quantities of sulfur thereto, the presence of oxygen a fountain of the melt-ed sulfur and supplying such restricted quantities of oxygen thatpnly a fraction of the outgoing sulfur content is burned, and the remainder volatilized by the heat of combustion.

46. In an apparatus for burning sulfur a prising maintaining a pool of melted sulfur burner chamber adapted to hold a pool of 10 a fountain of melted sulfur,4

melted sulfur, an 'air blast means located b e-l low the pool surface for producing w1th1n `the chamber from such pool a fountain of melted sulfur, and sulfur combustion spaces beyond the outlet of said burner chamber.

' 47. In anpparatus for continuous burning of. sulfur, aburner chamber adapted to hold a pool of melted sulfur,l means for producng Within the chamber from such poo'l means for supplyng raw material 'and oxygen for eombuston to the chamber in regulated quantties whereby the burnlng may berestrctedf and large combustion passages beyond the chamber having oxygen supply for combustion of the volatlzed sulfur content of the outgoing products.

v In testimony whereof, I have affixed my signature hereto.

. y GEORGE F. HURT. 

